Following a three-year break
Following a three-year break, the MTV Africa Music awards (Mama) is making a return and will take place in Durban.
The ceremony, which will be held at the Durban International Convention Centre on June 7, will also be broadcasted live for the first time. Nominations for the awards will be announced April 16 2014.
Celebrating musicians and achievers who have made the most impact on African youth culture throughout the year, Mama 2014 will feature performances from African and international artists, including collaborations between artists of different genres and cultures.
"After the major success of the MTV Africa All Stars event in Durban last year, we are delighted to welcome MTV Base and the Mama awards to KwaZulu-Natal this June. KwaZulu-Natal including Durban is the premier home for major events in South Africa.
"Our success and reputation in staging these ground-breaking events has ensured that the contribution to economic growth and tourism stimulation continues to be ever on the rise," said head of department of economic development and tourism for KwaZulu-Natal Desmond Golding.
Artists will be recognised in 13 different award categories including best male, best female and best new act.
This year, three new lifestyle awards have been added to the music categories, including the Mama leadership award and personality of the year. And the transform today by Absolut award will celebrate the power of young individuals to transform the image of Africa through their creativity and vision.
Road to Mama events
MTV Base channel director Tim Horwood says the awards will be preceded by three "Road to Mama" events – held in Durban, South Africa, Lagos, Nigeria and Nairobi, Kenya, building up to the main show, featuring Mama nominees alongside the most current local artists and DJs.
These events will take place during April and May 2014.
"We are thrilled that the MTV Africa Music awards KwaZulu-Natal will be taking place in South Africa for the first time in its new evolution. KwaZulu-Natal Province is rich in both infrastructure and amazing sights, and we are excited that Durban will be the backdrop for showcasing Africa's best talent to the world," said Alex Okosi, senior vice-president and managing director of Viacom International Media Networks Africa.
The first MTV Africa Music awards took place in 2008 and has had the likes of 2Face Idibia, Big Nuz, HHP, P-Square, Liquideep, D'Banj, Lira, Nameless, Wahu, Fally Ipupa, Cabo Snoop, Zebra & Giraffe, and many more onstage.
The awards are open to all artists whose music videos have been played on MTV Base or MTV during the qualifying period March 20 2013 to March 19 2014.